RESIDENTS have been urged to follow the lead of more than 400 people who have already responded to the City of Wanneroo’s |Yspeak! survey before it closes next week.

Most of the responses so far have come from Yanchep District High School after the school encouraged students in years 7-10 to submit their views on what youth services and facilities were needed in Yanchep.

Principal Alan Curtis said the school gave all 340 high school students an opportunity to complete the survey during lessons.

“It’s important that the kids have a voice. The City needs to know what it is that the kids want because that way they have a better chance of using it,” he said.

Mr Curtis said getting young people involved in that sort of community movement could influence their democratic involvement.

“If they see something come out of it, it will encourage them in the future to speak up,” he said.

“Exactly what can come out of it and what level will be up to the City.

“It’s about the youth speaking out; the next job is for the adults to listen.”

Year 9 student Zara White (14) has done the survey and said recent social media posts influenced her thoughts on what services should be prioritised.

As well as free activities, the Yanchep resident said priorities should include facilities for young people who did not feel safe at home or had been kicked out of their homes.

“Lately on social media I’ve been seeing a lot of kids in my class or social group looking for places to stay,” she said.

The survey is open to anyone living in Yanchep, Two Rocks and surrounding areas who has an interest in the needs of nine to 25-year-olds.

The City plans to use |results of the survey to help plan future youth services in Yanchep, where almost 36 per cent of the population is aged under 24.